Machine for applying characters to sheets



March 24, 1931. R. E. BOHRER MACHINE FOR APPLYING CHARACTERS TO SHEETS Filed Oct. 15, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR PA YMOND E. EOHEEE" BY T ATTO E March 1931- R. E. B OHRER 1,797,973

MACHINE FOR APPLYING CHARACTERS TO SHEETS Filed Oct. 15, 192? 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR RA YMOND E BUH/FH? I i I I March 24; 1931. R BQHRER MACHINE FOR APPLYING CHARACTERS TO SHEETS Filed Oct. 15, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR m.) M/ .J 0 I 5 r E 5. 0 m N m 0 M 6 M R 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 R. E. BOHRER INVENTOR RA YMOND E BOHRER 7 K u5ATT RN 5 Filed Oct. 15, 1927 MACHINE FOR APPLYING CHARACTERS TO SHEETS Mar ch 24, 1931.

Patented Mar. 24, 1931 UNITED STATES PATIENT OFFICE RAYMOND E. BOHRER, O1 ROCHESTER, NEW

YORK, ABSIGN OR TO THE TODD COMPANY,

INCORPORATED, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A. CORPORATION OF NEW YORK MACHINE FOR APPLYING Application filed October 15,

The resent invention relates to machines for app ying characters to sheets and has for one object to provide an improved machine of this class in which separate printing or 5 marking mechanisms, each having one or more characters, are adapted to be actuated through the movement of a control member whereby to. efiect completion of different printing operations on a sheet placed wlthin the machine.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved printing machine of the character described in which separate printing operations are to be performed, the machine being so constructed as not to permit operation of one of said printing mechanisms unless the other is operated substantially at the same time, whereby movement of the printing elements of one of the mechanisms into position to engage the sheet to be printed is not permitted unless the other is also moved to engage the same while the sheet is at a definite point within the machine.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved machine of the class described, adapted for placing characters upon sheets, checks, drafts and the like in which separate printing or marking mechanisms are employed for applying, substantially at the same time, different lines of printing or sets of characters upon the checks by the movement of a single control member arranged to actuate both printing mechanisms whereby to reduce the time of printing as well as to avoid the expense of constructing separate machines for applying the diiierent sets of characters to the checks at difi'erent times.

A further object is to provide an improved printing or marking mechanism for applying characters to sheets and the like in which a type or character holding element is made adjustable laterally of the sheet to vary the position of printing thereon.

A further object of the invention is to provide a compact machine of the class described, of comparatively simple construction, which can be employed to produce sepa rate and distinct printing operations sub- 7 50 stantially at the same time and which can be CHARACTERS TO SHEETS 1927. Serial No. 228,406.

economically operated.

To these and other ends the invention resides 1n certain improvements and combina tions of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same with parts broken away to more clearly illustrate the construction of one of the printing mechamsms;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section on line 99-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional elevation showing the position of the parts when the type carriers have been moved to printing position;

Fig. 5 is a plan view, partly in section, illustrating the signature applying mechanism shown at the right of Fig. 1; and

Flg. 6 is a check or form to which is shown applied the amount line and the makers name, as applied by the present machine.

Similar reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same arts.

The present invention embodies a machine designed to print upon checks, drafts and the like different sets of characters, as for example, the amount indicatin the value of the paper and the makers name y the operation of a single control member, which in turn serves to actuate separate printing or mark ing mechanisms for applying said characters. In the case of banks, corporations, manu facturing and other concerns which find it necessary to periodically issue a relatively large number of checks, drafts and the like, a considerable amount of time is required for the maker of the checks to personally sign the same. This is, of course, in addition to the time consumed in writing or rinting the amounts indicating the value 0% the paper. With the present machine the signature of the maker, together with the amount line is applied substantially at the same time to a c eck placed within the machine and by the 100 constructed and conveniently movement of a single operating member, after the characters of the amount line have been set up or adjusted for movement to printing position. In other words, the check or sheet to be printed is inserted within the machine and a single lever or operating member is actuated to complete the operations of applying the two sets of characters, comprising in the present instance, as before stated, the signature of the maker and the amount for which the check is to be issued. Thus the heads or ofiicials of the concerns issuing the checks or other negotiable paper are freed entirely from the duty of personally signing the same and no additional time is required on the part of others responsible for printing or applying the amounts to the checks. The time consumed in applying the signature is, therefore, entirely conserved and the maker is relieved of this duty in order that he may be free to assume other duties or responsibilities.

The advantage in applying the amount line and makers signature at the same time with a single machine over that of applying them at different timeswith separate machines is in avoiding the undesirable feature of making it possible for unauthorized persons to print facsimiles of the makers signature upon the checks or obtain the latter with the signature already printed thereon by one authorized to do the printing and subsequently fill them out for any amount desired, in which case the could be made out to Cash in order to ren er them more readily negotiable. Where a machine of the present type is under the control of an authorized and reliable operator, there is little question as to any attempted misuse of the same in printing the signature without printing the amount. However, such an attempt by anyone will meet with failure, for the reason that it is not possible to print the signature without first operating the printing elements of the amount line, which engage the check slightly in advance of the signature printing element. The check will, therefore, be engaged by the character holding elements for printing the amount line regardless of whether or not the setting-up mechanism has been manipulated to set up a definite amount, so that the paper will, therefore, be scarified and will afford an indication of irregularity if an amount is written in or printed adjacent to the scarified portion of the check. The advantage is, there fore, apparent in providing a machine which will not permit the signature to be printed without first or simultaneously moving the character holding elements of the amount line into engagement with the paper, as pointed out above.

While the present invention is not limited to any particular form of printing mechanism for applying the characters indicating the value of the paper, I prefer to employ for this purpose the type of mechanism shown in Patent No. 1,372,323, issued March 22, 1921 in the name of Charles G. Tiefel.

This printing mechanism has seven value type carriers giving a printing capacity up to $99,999.99. The units of dollars and units of cents are provided respectively with type for printing the words Dollars and Cents in each of the positions of the wheels. The key board mechanism comprises a setting rack for each type carrier operating through intermediate gearing to turn the type carriers to print the desired amounts.

After the amount has been set up an operating edvice is actuated to carry the type toward a platen to effect printing. The devices intermediate the type carriers and the setting racks are so constructed that the movement of the type carriers toward the platen will cause a. second partial rotation of the type carriers. This is to turn the type carriers from a position where ink may be applied to a position opposite the platen. Ink is applied to the type to be printed from near the beginning of the movement of the operating mechanism.

A logotype which, in the present instance, is constructed to print the word Exactly is the same axis as the value type carriers and is turned simultaneously with the value carriers as they are turned from inking to printing position. The logotype operating mechanism is fully described in the above mentioned patent and description of the same is not considered necessary in the present application.

Ink is applied to the type by an ink roll carried by supports which normally hold the roll out of inking relation with the type, but as soon as the type carriers begin to turn from inking to printing position the ink roll is allowed to swing toward the type carriers to ink all of the type previously adjusted to the inking position. The inking mechanism is designed to ink only the type printed from and to permit the use of a large inking roll or pad in constructions where the type and platen have only a short relative movement to effect impressions.

Referring to the drawings, the mechanism for printing the amount line isinclosed in a casing comprising a rectangular hollow base '15 and an upper portion 16. These two portions of the casing are separated at the front by a work receiving slot 17. Extending across the base 15 is a bar 21 supported at its ends in carried by supporting devices rotatable on brackets 22 on the side walls of the base and adjustably mounted in a groove in the top of the bar is a platen 23.

The forward part of the top of the casing 16 is inclined and is closed by a plate 24 slotted as at 25 to receive and permit free endwise movement of racks 26. Integral with each rack 26 is a horizontal portion resting upon the top of the plate 24. These horizontal portions are provided with indicating characters not shown, visible throu h small openings in an index late 29 as indicated in the above mention atent. Rigid with the horizontal portions of the rack members are arms 30,

. Fig. 1, extending through slots 31 in the index plate 29 and provided at their outer ends with knobs 32 whereby the racks may be moved to different positions with reference to scales 33 6n the index plate.

Cooperating with the racks 26 are devices for retaining them in different positions to which they may be adjusted. These devices are in the form of levers 35, Fig. 4, centrally pivoted on downwardly extending portions of brackets 36 secured to the underside of the plate 24. The forward ends of the levers are provided with cylindrical members 37 which may be rotatable on the arms and which engage the teeth of the racks 26. Springs 38 at all times hold the cylindrical members 37 in firm engagement with the racks, thereby serving not only to hold the racks in adjusted positions, but also automatically to impart a slight movement to the racks, if, in ad usting them manually they are stopped a little out of correct position.

As will be seen in Fig. 1, the presentmachine has seven of the setting racks 26 and for each of these there is provided a type carrier, numbered from 41 to 47 inclusive, all rotatably mounted upon a rod 48 and each adapted for cooperation with the check 4-1 to print the amount line 47 thereon. Integral with each of the type carriers is a gear 49, Figs. 3 and 4, meshing with an intermediate gear 50 journaled on a rod 51, the intermedi ate gears in turn meshing with smaller gears 52 journaled on a rod 53. Certain of the gears 52 are, as shown in Fig. 1, rigid with other gears of the same size and rotating on the same center and meshing with the teeth of the racks 26 corresponding to the associated type carriers, the purpose of this being to permit a satisfactory arrangement of the setting slides with reference to the key board. This double gear construction need not be described in detail because such arrangements are wellknown in the art. It is su'flicient to state that, when a rack 26 is moved from one position to another the associated type carrier is rotated to a corresponding position, thereby making it possible to set up at an inking line 55, Fig. 1, the matter which it is desired to print.

The rod 48 on which the type carriers are mounted is supported at its ends in the side arms 56 of a large yoke carried by a rod 57 fastened in the side walls of the casing. The rod 53 is supported in mounting plates 58 secured to the side walls of the casing by screws 59 and held by the rods 53 and 57 The rod 51 carrying the intermediate gears 50 is supported at its ends by links 61 and 62 loose on the rods 53 and 48 and pivotally connected by the rod 51. It is apparent that if the side arms 56 of the yoke move to carry the ty e carriers down to engage the type with t e platen 23 the connection afforded by the links 61 and 62 will be straightened as shown in Fig; 4 and that this, on account of the fact t at the-racks 26 are held by the retaining devices 35, will cause the gears 50 to have a planetary movement around the gears 52 thereby causing the gears 50 to turn the type carriers. The gearing between the type carriers and racks is so proportioned that the downward printing movement of the type carriers will cause the carriers to turn approximately one-quarter of arotation.

The mechanism for effecting the movement of the side arms 56 of the yoke to carry the type carriers down to print comprises a rearwardly extending arm 63 integral with a cross portion 64 of the yoke and connected at its rear end by means of a link 65 to an arm 66 fastened to a rock shaft 67. Secured-to the outer right hand end of the shaft 67 is an operating handle 68 by means of which the shaft may be rocked against the tension of a return spring 69. When the shaft 67 is rocked the arm 66 and link 65 will rock the yoke on its support 57 to move the type carriers down against the platen and incidentally eflI'ect the planetary movement of the intermediate gears 50 to turn the type carriers from inking to printing position. The connection afforded by the arm 66 and link 65 is such that the type and laten may exert a very heavy pressure and t e type and platen may be constructed to shred or mutilate the paper and thereby cause the ink to penetrate the fiber and make erasure impossible.

About the time that the type carriers pass into engagement with the platen they are latched against movement in either direction. This is accomplished by a series of latching arms 71 suitably formed to engage between the teeth of the type carrier gears. The arms 71 are pivoted on a rod 72 mounted in the type carrying yoke and normally rest against the rod 57. Adjacent each arm 71 and pivoted on the rod 72 is a short upwardly extending arm 73. Torsion springs tend at all times to swing the arms 71 and 73 in opposite directions but this is normally prevented by the engagement of the lower ends of the arms 73 with pins 7 4 secured to side of the arms 71. When the type carrying yoke is swung to carry the type down the arms 71 and 73 are moved bodily until the arms 71 are in engagement'with the teeth of the type carrier gears and the arms 73 are in contact with a rod 75 supported by the mounting plates 58. The spring connection between the arms 71 and 73 permits a ,relative movement of the arms in case of a type carrier gear should be a little out of correct position,

thereby preventing breakage. of the parts.

At the same time the springs are strong enough to impart adjusting movement to vcarrier gears 49 are partially disengaged from the intermediate gears 50, although the meshing relation is maintained. However, to prevent any accidental displacement of the intermediate gears while the type carrier structed that the words Exactly, Dollars and Cents will be printed in black and the digits in red. A door, 126, Fig. 1 hinged at 127 and extending the width of the machine, gives ready access to the ink roll and type carriers.

In describing the mechanism for printing the amount line,-it has been necessary incidentally to describe to a certain extent the operation of the various parts of this mechanism. However, the operation as a whole may be summarized briefly by pointing out the different manipulations and movements of parts in printing the line shown at 47,

gears are partially disengaged therefrom, the\Fig. 6. That line, it will be noted, reads Exprinting movement of the type carriers and consequent movement of the intermediate gears causes the intermediate gears to be en-' gaged with a rod 76 supported at its ends in brackets 77 fastened to the mounting plates 58. The intermediate gears are, therefore, always held in correct position to be reengaged by the type carrier gears as the type carrier yoke raises the carriers to their normal positions. Springs 82 serve to assist 1n effecting the planetary movement of the gears 50 and holding them in engagement with the aligning rod 76.

The printing characters 41 to 47 inclusive are supplied with ink by an inking roll of felt or other absorbent material which is large enough to hold a considerable supply. The ink roll is carried on a shaft 116, Fig. 3, engaging hooks on the lower ends of arms 117. Latches 118 engage the shaft 116 and prevent it from becoming disengaged from the hooks. Springs 119 tend at all times to swing the lower ends of the arms toward the type carriers but contact of the inking roll with the type is normally prevented by the side arms 56 of the type carrier supporting yoke. The forward ends of the side arms 56 cooperate with rollers 120 mounted on the inking arms 117 In the normal positions of the parts, the portions 121 on the side arms 56 are in engagement with the rollers 120 but as the side arms are swung down grooves 122 therein cooperate with the rollers and allow the inking arms to swing in as the type to be printed from is moved from the inking line. Further movement of the side arms swings the inking arms forward to carry the inking roller out of contact with the type, thereby preventing the application of ink to type which are not to be printed from. Upon the return of the type carrier supporting yoke to its original position the operation of the inking mechanism is reversed so that at the end of the operation, the inking roll will be held out of contact with the type and thereby permit free movement of the type. The inking roll 115 may, if desired, be composed of a number of sections each containing ink of a different color, the sections of the roller being separated by metal disks not shown. In the preferred form the inking roll is so conactly 50 Dollars 40 Cents.

To prepare the machine to print the amount in question the units of cents knob 32 is moved from the neutral or blank position to 0 and the tens or cent knob is moved to the 4 position. The units of dollars is then moved from neutral to 0 and the tens of dollars from neutral to the 5 position. This movement of the knobs operates through the racks 26, gears 52, 50 and 49 to impart a corresponding degree of rotation to the type carriers 41, 42, 43, and 44 so that when the adjustment of the knobs is completed, the type carriers will be positioned as shown in Fig. 1 with the type to print 50 Dollars 40 Cents at the inking line 55. The operating handle 68 is then moved to rock the shaft 67 thereby swinging the type carrier yoke on its axis 57 to carry the type carriers toward the platen 23. The downward movement of the type carriers will rotate the gears 50 around the gears 52 and effect rotation of all of the type carriers from the inking line 55 to a posit-ion directly above the platen 23. The rest of the forward movement of the operating handle will force the type against the platen.

As the type carriers start in their movement toward the platen the notches 122 in the side arms 56 of the type carrier yoke are carried past the rollers 120 on the inking arms 117, thereby allowing the inking roll to contact the type at the inking line to supply the necessary ink for printing. After the printing is effected and during the return movement of the type carriers to the inking lines, the inking roll again contacts the type to replace the ink used in printing.

Stops 231 are carried by the check holding plate 17 which are adjustable toward and from the front of the machine to accommodate sheets or checks of different widths. The stops may be held in adjusted position by any suitable means.

The signature applying or printing mechanism of the present machine is preferably disposed at the right hand end thereof and is shown inclosed in a casing 232 including front and rear side plates 233 and 234 having flanged portions 235 suitably secured to the right hand end wall 236 of casing 16 as shown in Fig. 5. Supported within the casing 232 screws 242 extending through the frame members and threaded into the spacing elements as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. The frame plates are also spaced by a sleeve 243 slidably mounted on the rod 239.

The signature printing device is preferably of the rotary type and comprises a wheel 244 mounted upon the shaft 240 for rotation therewith and carries a removable printing plate 245 secured in any suitable manner and having thereon the signature of the maker of the check as indicated at 246 in Fig. 6. It is also preferably adapted to print a background for the signature as indicated at-247, the design of which may be varied as desired.

A platen 248 is disposed beneath the check holding plate 17 and projects through an opening therein for cooperation with the printing plate 245. The platen is pivotally supported by a yoke shaped member 249 disposed between the arms 250 of a bracket 251 suitably secured to the right hand end of the base 15 as shown in Fig. 2. The yoke shaped member is mounted upon a pivot bolt 252, the opposite ends of which are supported by the arms 250 of the bracket. A spring 253 is coiled about the pivot bolt and has one end anchored upon a support 254, extending between and secured upon the arms of the bracket 251. The other end of the spring engages a transverse portion 255 of the yoke and serves to yieldably urge the platen in proper position for cooperation with the printing plate 245 when the latter is rotated to print the signature upon the check. A stop 255 on the oke 249 engages one of the arms 250 of the racket to limit the upward movement of the platen.

A series of inking rolls 256 are provided for inking the printing plate 245 and a series of supply rolls 257 engage the rolls 256 to supply ink thereto. Each set of rolls has its trunnions disposed within slots formed in the frame plates 237 and 238 and the supply rolls are yieldably held in engagement with the inking rolls by the springs 258 as shown in Fig. 1.

A removable closure 259 is carried by the casing 232 opposite the inking and supply rolls whereby they are rendered accessible from time to time. The lower end of the closure engages behind a member 260 connecting the sides of the casing as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The top edge of the closure is held upon the upper wall of the casing 232 by a pivoted retaining member 261 as indicated in Fig. 1.

t als adapted to effect operation of the print-' ing wheel 244 so that the signature holding plate 245 thereon may be rotated from the normal position shown in Fig. 1, whereby to engage the check and, through cooperation with the platen 248 print the signature 246 or other desired characters they" Preferably, a background 247 is applied by the printing wheel simultaneously with the printing of the signature.

The operating mechanism between the handle and printing wheel is best shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The shaft 240 on which the printin wheel is fixed is provided at its rear end wit a gear 262 which meshes with a gear 263 having a hub 264 journaled on a stud 265 secured to the frame plate 234. A. relatively large gear 266 is disposed at a right angle to the gear 263 and is adapted to mesh with the latter whereby to effect rotation of the printing wheel. Gear 266 and its hub 267 are rotatably disposed upon a reduced portion 268 of 'a stud 269 carried by the end wall 236- of casing 16. ()n the outer end of hub 267 is rigidly secured a ratchet wheel 270 for a purpose hereinafter described. A screw 271 is threaded into the reduced portion of the stud to form a pivot for a cam plate 272 disposed adjacent the ratchet wheel, the head of the screw being seated on a washer 271 engaging the cam plate as shown in Fig. 5. The upper end of the cam plate carries a stud or pin 273 which is reduced at its outer end to pivotally receive a link 274, the rear end of which is slotted at 275 to receive a pivot pin 276 secured to the handle 68 as shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The stud 273 of the cam plate carries a pawl 277 for engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel to move the latter in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2, when the handle and pawl have been moved to the dotted line positions shown in Fig. 2. The stud 273 carries a spring 278 which engages the pawl and permits it to yieldingly overrun the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the handle is moved from the full to the dotted line position shown, during which movement the type carrying elements 41 to 47 inclusive will be moved into printing position upon the check as deapply the makers signature or other characters which it may be desired to place upon the check or sheet to be marked.

In order to prevent overrunning of the driving gear 266 and ratchet wheel thereon when actuated as above described, a dog 279 is pivotally supported by a pin 280 screwed into a stud'or projection 281 on the casing wall 236 as shown in Fig. 5. The dog is provided with an offset end portion 282 adapted for engagement with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel at the end of the each quarter revolution of the latter. The dog is normally held in the position shown in Fig. 2 by a spring 283 having one end secured to the dog and the other to a post 284 on the casing wall 236. Release of the dog from the normal holding poistion shown in Fig. 2 is necessitated before the pawl 277 can begin to advance the ratchet wheel and this is done by the cam 272, which upon movement of the handle to the dotted line position shown will engage a lug 285-on the dog to swing the latter to a point at which it will clear the tooth of the ratchet wheel so thatsaid wheel will be free to rotate. As the cam is moved away from the lug 285 the spring will return the dog but not until after the gear and ratchet wheel have been rotated an amount sufiicient to cause the lowermost tooth of the wheel to clear the projection 282 of the dog, after which the latter is returned by the spring 283 to position to engage the next succeeding tooth of the ratchet wheel, whereby the printing wheel is brought to a standstill at the end of each complete revolution.

It will be noted that the printing plate 245 does not extend entirely around the wheel and, therefore, when the wheel is in the normal position shown in Fig. 1, it does not engage the check or sheet disposed beneath the same, this being done only after the wheel has been advanced a predetermined amount. The work or sheet receiving opening 17 above the plate 17 is, therefore, unobstructed by the wheel, so that the check can readily be in-.

serted in position to receive both sets of printing characters upon swinging the handle forwardly and then rearwardly, or from and to normal position, to complete both printing operations. I

The operation of applying the signature follows immediately after that of printing the amount line, since upon moving the handle back to normal position, the link 274 will cause the pawl 277 to advance the ratchet wheel and driving gear so that by the time the handle "approaches normal inoperative position, the printing wheel has com let'ed its revolution. Hence, it may be sai that both printing operations are performed substantially at the same time, and by the move-- ment of a single control member, During the rotation of the printing wheel, the plate 245 will feed the check outwardly through the slot 17 so that by the time. the second printing operationis completed a portion of the check will project from the casing 232 where it can be easily graspedby the fingers and readily withdrawn from the machine.

The slot' 275' of the link 274 permits of a certain amount of play or lost motion in the movement of the handle, which is desirable in order to permit of a slight retraction of the character holding elements 41 to 47 in- 7 elusive from engagement with the sheet before the printing wheel engages and moves the same, which is, of course, done after. a sli ht rotation of the wheel in the direction in icated by the arrow in Fig. 1.

Means is provided for adjusting the signature carrying wheel laterally of the check or sheet disposed beneath the same, in order that the position of the signature upon the check may be varied, whereby the machine is made to accommodate checks of different widths or whereby the signature may be adjusted to correct position with respect to the line printed upon the check for indicating the position of the signature. As before stated, the frame plates 237 and 238 which carry the printing wheel have a bearing 243 slidably mounted on the member 239 connecting the opposite sides of the casing. F urthermore, the frame plates are provided with 05 bearings 285 and 286' suitably secured thereto and in which the shaft 240 is adapted to rotate. A key 287 is inserted within a groove 288 in shaft 240 and engages the wheel within a. groove thereof to hold the wheel against rotation, but permits it, together with the frame to slide longitudinally of the shaft for the purpose of varying the position of the signature as state above. Adjustment of the frame and printing wheel longitudinally of the shaft is readily effected by turning a thumb screw 289., which is journaled in the front wall 233 of the casing 232 and threaded into the frame plate 237 whereby, upon rotation of the screw to the right or left, the position'of the printing wheel may be varied as desired. A look nut 290 serves to secure the screw, whereby to hold the frame in adjusted position.

In the operation of the machine, the checks or other sheets to be printed are positioned upon the plate 17 beneath the separate printing mechanisms where the sheets are held in proper position by the stops carried by said plate. The characters for the amount line 47 are then set up by lproper manipulation of the operating mem ers 32 as described above; The handle 68 is then pulled over to effect movement of the character holding elements 41 to 47 inclusive into printing engagement with the check and is then spring-returned or manually moved back to normal position by the operator. As soon as the banle begins to move rearwardly, said charaacter holding elements are raised from engagement with the check and about this time the printing wheel begins to rotate, through the movement of the link 274 and associated parts for rotating the driving gear 266. By the time the handle reaches normal inoperative position the printing wheel will have rotated through a complete circle, during which time the signature or other characters on the plate 245 are applied to the cheek and the latter advanced by the printing wheel from the casing a suflicient distance to permit it to be grasped by from the machine.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a mechanism for printing upon a check or draft at a predetermined station an amount indicating the value of the same, a separate printing mechanism for applying the signature of the maker of the check thereto mounted independently of the first mentioned printing mechanism, an operating member and separate connections between the latter and said printing mechanisms whereby the movement of said operating member will effect movementof both printing mechanisms to engage the check of said stat-ion.

2. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a printing mechanism for placing upon a check while at rest at a predetermined station characters indicating-the value of the same, a separate printing mechanism for applying a facsimile of a signature to the check mounted independently of the first mentioned printing mechanism and in-.

terconnected actuating devices for said printing mechanism operable to eifect movement of both to engage the check at said station,

3. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base having sheet engaging means thereon, separate printing mechanisms upon the base adapted through cooperation with said engaging means to place different sets of characters upon the sheet, separate and independently mounted actuating mechanisms for said printing mechanisms and an operating member for moving both of said actuating mechanisms whereby to move both printing mechanisms to efi'ect application of the different sets of characters to the sheet during movement of the operating member.

4. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base having sheet holding means thereon, separate and independently mounted printing mechanisms on the base for placing difl'erent sets of characters upon the the fingers and removedthereon, separate and independently mounted printing mechanisms on one side of the plate for applying characters to the sheet at dilferent points thereon, spaced platens on the other side of the plate arranged for cooperation with said printing mechanisms through openings in the plate, separate actuating devices for said printing mechanisms and a member operable to effect movement of-both actuating mechanisms.

, 7. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base having means adapted for engagement with different portions of a sheet on one side thereof while the sheet is at rest at a predetermined station, separate and independently mounted printing mechanisms carried by the base on the opposite side of the sheet from said means and adapted for cooperation therewith in printing different sets of characters upon the sheet and a control member operatively connected with said printing mechanisms and adapted to effect movement of the same into engagement with the sheet while the other is at rest.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base having means adapted for engagement with different portions of a sheet on one side thereof, separate printing mechanisms carried by the base on the opposite side of the sheet from said means and adapted for cooperation therewith in printing different sets of characters upon the sheet and an oscillatory operating member connected with said printingmechanisms and adapted upon movement in one direction to move one to printing position and arranged upon movement in an opposite direction to move the other to printing position.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a printing mechanism. for applying characters upon a check or draft at a predetermined point upon the sheet, an independently mounted printing mechanism for applying additional characters to the check at another point thereon, an operating member and separate connections between said operating member and each of said printing mechanisms whereby movement of the operating member is adapted to effect operation of both printing mechanisms.

\ 10. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base, a printing mechanism for applying characters to, a check or draft at a predetermined point, an independent printing mechanism for applying additional characters to the check at another point, separate and independently mounted actuating mechanisms for said printing mechanisms, an oscillatory member operatively connected with one of said actuating mechanisms and an operating connection between the oscillatory member and the other actuating mechanism adapted to efl'ect operation of the same.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a printing mechanism comprising a series of type carriers selectivelv adjustable for cooperation with a sheet to simultaneously print characters thereon, an independent printing mechanism adjustable to place additional characters upon the sheet, an operating member and separate connections between said operating member and said printing mechanisms whereby to effect operation of both printing mechanisms by movement of said member.

12. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a printing mechanism comprising a series of type carriers selectively adjustable for cooperation with a sheet to simultaneously print characters thereon, an independent rotary printing device operable to place additional characters upon the sheet and. adapted to advance the sheet during rotation, an operating member, connections between said operating member and the first mentioned printing mechanism for moving the type of the carriers into engagement with the sheet and separate connections arranged to be actuated by said operating member whereby to effect operation of the rotary printing device.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a printing mechanism comprising a series of type carriers selectively adjustable-for cooperation with a sheet to print characters thereon, a second printing mechanism operable to place additional characters upon the sheet, means including a rock shaft for moving said type carriers into printing position, a crank for operating said rock shaft and a member operatively connected with the second mentioned printin mechanism and arranged to be actuated by said crank.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base, a printing mechanism comprising a series of type carriers selectively adjustable for cooperation with a sheet to print characters upon the latter, a rotary printing element upon the base adapted for printing additional characters upon the sheet, driving means for said rotary printing element, and a control member connected with said driving means and with said adjustable printing mechanism adapted to effect operation of each.

and ratchet mechanism between said control member and said driving gear adapted upon movement of the control member to effect operation of both printing mechanisms.

16. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base, a printing mechanism thereon, a second printing mechanism upon the base, a control member operatively connected with the first mentioned printing mechanism, a ratchet mechanism operatively connected with the second mentioned printing mechanism and a link connected with said control member and said ratchet mechanism adapted to operate the latter upon movement of the control member between predetermined points.

17. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base, means thereon for engaging one side of a sheet to be printed, separate printing mechanisms mounted for movement into engagement with the opposite side of the sheet, separate actuating mechanisms for each of said printing mechanisms and a common operating member for said actuating mechanisms adapted to effect movement of one into engagement with the sheet in advance of the other.

. 18. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base, platens thereon for engaging one side of a sheet to be printed, separate printing mechanisms mounted for movement into engagement with the opposite side of the sheet when the sheet is at rest upon said platens, one of said printing mechanisms comprising a rotary element adapted to advance the sheet during its printing operation, separate actuating mechanisms for each of said printing mechanisms and a common operating member for said g actuating mechanisms adapted to effect movement of one printing mechanism into engagement with the sheet in advance of the other.

19. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a base, printing mechanism thereon comprising a series of type characters selectively adjustable for cooperation with a sheet carried by the base, a platen on the base, a rotary printing element mounted independently of said printing mechanism and adapted for cooperation with the platen, separate actuating devices for effecting operation of the printing mechanism and rotation of the printing element, an opcrating member for said actuating devices and means for adjusting said printing element longitudinally of-its axis of rotation.

20. In a machine of the class described, 8 the combination of a base, a printing mechanism upon the base comprising a series of type characters selectively adjustable for cooperation with a sheet carried by the base, a platen on the base, a rotary printing ele m ment for cooperation with the p ing gear operatively connected with said printing element, a ratchet wheel eratively connected with the gear, a yieldab y mounted member normally engaging the ratchet wheel to hold it against reverse movement, an oscillatory cam element for releasing the yieldably mounted member when the cam element is moved inone direction, a pivoted operating member connected with said printing mechanism for actuatin the same, a link between the operating mem er and said cam element and a awl connected with the cam element and adapted to overrun the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the cam element is moved in a direction to release said yieldably mounted member and adapted to advance the ratchet wheel when the cam element is moved in the o posite direction.

21. In a machine of t e class described, the

value of a check or other negotiable instrument thereon, mechanism for applying protecting characters to the check to safeguard the printed value, a separate printing mechanism for signing the c eck, an operating element and connections between t e operating element and said mechanism for causing the latter to perform their respective o erations. 22. In a machine for printing c aracters upon individual sheets, the combination of a base, platens thereon arranged to receive different portions of the sheet when the sheet is at rest at a predetermined station, a printing mechanism for operating upon the sheet while the latter is at rest upon the platens at said station, a second rintin mechanism adjacent the first inclu ng a c aracter holding element movable into engagement with the sheet while it is at rest at said'station, actuating mechanisms for said printing mechanisms and a manually controlled member 0 eratively connected with said actuating mec anisms for moving the printing mechanisms to efiect separate printing operations upon the sheet.

23. In combination, a check writer comprising a base, two separate printing mechanisms upon the base one of which is reciprocally mounted for applying characters to the check while at rest in a predetermined or which the check is drawn, and the other for engaging the check while in said predetermined position to efiect application of the 55 makers signature thereto, platens upon which aten, a drivcombination of mechanism for printing the position upon the base to indicate the amount 24. In a machine of the class described, the v combination of a printing mechanism comprising a plurality of individually adjustable type carriers arran ed to be selectively positioned and provided with twe for engagement with a sheet at rest at a predetermined station to simultaneously rint different characters thereon, a secon printing mechanism for engaging the sheet while at said station, an actuating mechanism for each of said printin mechanisms, and a common operating mem er for said actuating mechanisms.

25. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a printing mechanism comprising a plurality of individually adjustable type carriers arranged to be selectively positloned and provided with type for engagement with a sheet at rest at a predetermined station to simultaneously print different characters thereon, a second printing mechanism arranged to engage the sheet at said 9 station, and operating means for said printing mechanisms efiective to move one into printing position in advance of the other.

26. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a printing mechanism comprising a plurality of individually adjustable type earners arranged to be selectively adjusted and provided with type for engagement with a sheet at rest at a predetermined station, platensfor supporting the sheet at said station, a second printing mechanism arranged to cooperate with one of the platens to print additional characters upon the sheet, actuating devices for each of said printing mechanisms, and a common operating member for said actuatin devices.

RAYMOND E. OHRER. 

